Since 2010 I have been co-hosting a fantastic craft show called Handmade Harvest with my friend and former co-worker Colleen Hewitt.

Here we are last Christmas.

We host the show twice a year (three if you could our new Food & Drink Show) here in Almonte and it's flipping awesome.

This year we had more submissions than ever (over 200!) for our Holiday Show and I am so jazzed to see so many new makers in the mix.

The event takes place over two days (50 different vendors each day) and is hosted at the Almonte Old Town Hall NEXT weekend.

Looking for an(other) excuse to come to Almonte?
This is it!

For more details and a list of vendors visit Handmade Harvest online at www.handmadeharvest.com.

The first 50 shoppers always get a free swag bag filled with goodies. Insanity.

We took pity on some of the early risers and let them sit inside.

The place was jumpin' 

Amy Eaton of Winsome and Whimsy Photography hosted our first workshop in the new shop last night  and, man, was it a healthy combo of fun/valuable information.
How have I survived so long without a lightbox?

Amy taught us a ton of great things.

What makes a great photo, how to take great shots whether you're using a pro camera or a stinky smart phone), how to project your brand image through your photography, how to compose an image, how to make a lightbox (which really is the secret folks...and so simple!), how to stand out among the vast (vast!) competition.

 Amy makes a pro lightbox for a total cost of about $0.50 and 10 minutes.

Amy shows us how it's done and explains the importance of using the right light and composition. 

Also she makes us laugh. Something about buttertarts...

Definitely buttertarts. Who needs a studio when we can do THIS at home!?

Some of us tried our hand at taking some great, web-ready pics. I took this using my iPhone!

 Like this cuff? You can buy it across the street at doree's! I also took this with my phone.Who needs a DLSR? Chumps maybe.

I learned a boatload of things I didn't know I didn't know.
Which I love.

The class was so well received we've decided to host a redo for those who missed out.
If you're a maker wanted to get started selling online, I'd say Product Photography 101 with Amy is a MUST ATTEND.

Tuesday November 5th beginning at 6:30 (and ending sometime close to 9pm), join us in the shop for this awesome workshop.

Book before it fills up by sending me a note at shop@hello-yellow.ca

Workshops are back baby!
Hope to see you soon!
Em

I just spent three great days with my uber talented blogger friend Melissa. She's got a fabulous blog called The Sweet Escape that you'll hear me talk about quite a lot (if you haven't already). 

Melissa and I went to college together. She was a 6-foot-tall (in heels), Italian red head with a bitchy resting face and a shock of blonde hair at the front of her head.

She had me at hello.

Melissa and I have always been a great pair when it comes to creative problem solving, brainstorming new ideas and experimenting with projects. 

Spending time with her is one of my favourite things.

This time during her visit we tackled a fun little DIY project for my new creative workspace at the back of the shop, but I'll get to that a little later. The project isn't 100% completed and I know how you like before and afters.

Me too.

Also, I will be one million more times more likely to complete it now that I've written it here.

While she was here we talked a lot about blogging and the importance of social media in promoting, building a brand. I have loads of lofty ideas I want to integrate into the way I currently do business. Blogging more often is one of them, but I've felt that I need a little structure to keep me on track.

And inspired.

Introducing Make it Mondays! 

Each week I'm going to select one of the seventeen thousand and three projects I have pinned onto my Hello DIY board on Pinterest.

Fucking Pinterest.

For my first Make It Monday project, I'm tackling Nail & Thread art.

I need an oversized piece of artwork to cover an electrical box in my soon-to-be-the-best-thing-ever creative workspace.

I've already spent just a smidge too much money on this room so let's take a stab at some affordable DIY art shall we?

I'll be documenting my progress over on Facebook and Twitter, and if all goes well, I'll workshop it.

Got a project you want to see me take on? 

Let me know about it by commenting here.

At the end of each month, all commenters will be put into a draw to win a $25 gift certificate to the shop!

See you soon!

Em

Conversation with my husband:

Can I help you with anything hon? I was going to make dinner.

Sure, you could cut this last red pepper for me.

Really? It's just one pepper. You really need my help?

You asked.

I know. But, I'm like super allergic today. I need to go wash my face.

Something is wrong with you.

I think I'm getting my period tomorrow.